Money Problems in India: Let’s Talk Honestly

Let’s be honest — managing money in India today isn’t easy.
Whether you’re earning ₹15K a month or ₹1.5L, somehow the money just... disappears. Rent, EMIs, weddings, groceries, helping family, Swiggy orders — it's like your salary comes in and immediately files for divorce.
And most of us never really learned how to handle money. We just do what we saw growing up: work hard, pay bills, send money home, save “something if possible.”
But here’s the truth — you’re not alone, and it’s okay to admit that money is tight.
Why Do Money Problems Keep Coming Back?
- Cost of living is going up, salaries aren’t. From vegetables to school fees, everything’s more expensive. But are our paychecks growing that fast? Nope.
- Cultural pressure. Big weddings, gold, family expectations — it’s part of our culture, but it adds financial stress that people don’t always talk about.
- Lack of financial education. No one taught us about credit scores, SIPs, or budgeting in school. We had to figure it out from YouTube or trial-and-error.
- Helping family = priority. For many of us, especially in middle-class families, supporting parents or siblings financially is normal. And noble. But it can also stretch you thin.
- EMIs everywhere. Phone EMI, car EMI, furniture EMI — easy to get, hard to manage when too many stack up.
So, What Can We Actually Do?
Not magic — but small, consistent actions help.
- Track your spending. Apps like Walnut, Money View, or just a Google Sheet — find out where your money goes. You’ll be shocked at how much is spent on little things.
- Start small savings. Even ₹500 a month in a recurring deposit or SIP builds a habit. The amount doesn’t matter — the habit does.
- Limit unnecessary EMIs. Ask yourself: do I need this, or do I just want it now? Delay can be your financial best friend.
- Talk to your family. This is tough. But if you’re under pressure to send more money than you can afford, have an open conversation. Respectfully, but honestly.
- Learn about money. There are so many free resources in India now — YouTube channels like CA Rachana Ranade, Groww, or Kuvera make finance simple.
Being broke doesn’t mean you’re irresponsible. It means you’re human, living in a country where money stretches in too many directions. We carry guilt, pressure, and fear — but we don’t have to carry it alone.
Start small. Be kind to yourself. And remember — it’s not about being rich. It’s about being in control.